With fewer students walking around on campus and more open parking spaces, now's the perfect time to explore Michigan State University. The best part? You don't have to be a student. Check out this list to help you get started.
Bug house
What qualifies as an insect? Are beetles nothing more than annoying pests? Which kind of tarantula makes the best pet? Find answers to these burning questions and more when you visit the MSU Bug House. Not only do the folks there educate visitors on the role insects play in the ecosystem, but they also dispel myths.
"If bitten by a spider, such as the black widow or the brown recluse, the venom is toxic, and it can cause problems that require medical attention," explained Gary Parsons, MSU professor and bug house coordinator, "but you're not going to die."
Approximately 10 million insect species exist, but only one to two million have been discovered, Parsons said. Another cool fact? Scorpions glow under
ultraviolet light.
How to go:
MSU Bug House.
Open by appointment only. Natural Science Building, 288 Farm Lane, room 147, East Lansing. To schedule a tour, call 517-355-4662 or email bughouse@msu.edu.
Dairy Store
There's a flavor for each of the 14 schools in the Big Ten. The wackiest one? Husker's Sweet Corn for Nebraska. It's made with creamed corn.
"It tastes like salted vanilla," insists dairy store manager Brekelle Wiedenmannott.
All the products are made with "fresh, highquality ingredients" on MSU's campus. Even the milk comes straight from MSU cows.
Visitors are encouraged to hang out in the observation deck that overlooks a production plant floor, where they can watch how ice cream is made.
MSU Dairy Store. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, Monday through Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Anthony Hall, 474 South Shaw Lane, East Lansing.
So what is a carillon and how does it work? A carillon is an instrument, a set of tuned bells played with a keyboard, generally using slightly closed fists.
"Each lever on the keyboard is attached to a wire, which connects to a clapper inside a bell," McLellan explained. MSU's carillon contains 49 bells.
Following the recitals, folks can tour Beaumont Tower and get a carillon demonstration. If they're willing to climb up 73 stairs, that is. Otherwise, pull up
a chair or bring a lawn blanket and enjoy the music.
How to go:
20th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series. 6 p.m. Wednesdays beginning June 28 through August 2, rain or shine. Located next to the
MSU Museum, 409 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing.
www.music.msu.edu/carillon
(http://www.music.msu.edu/carillon)
